Physical Network Design
Physical network design
Network topology
Business needs
Assessing the school’s needs and building layout, it evident that two hundred and twelve computers are to be installed in the school’s network. The network will serve six computer labs, administration offices and two server rooms. On the network needed by the school, some of the computers will be servers and some will be clients used by students as well as guests. Based on the specifications provided, the school’s staff will have their own network, students will have their own network, and members of the public will have their own network. Additionally, wireless access via Wi-Fi will also have a different network. There is also a need for a 40 Mbps internet connection, with a backup line capable of at least 20Mbps. The design of the network has to be able to support all the users efficiently and therefore requires 100% availability to users at all times.
Proposed topology
In order to meet the business needs above the proposed technology for this network design is star topology. The computers used to access the network in each room will be the nodes while the servers in each lab will act as the hubs for these smaller networks. In turn, the main servers on each floor will act as a hub for the other servers present on each of the floors. This ensures that all the computers can be connected easily to the network.
Justification
The proposed network topology is the most effective topology for the network required by the institution. The star topology is easiest to implement this network design as it allows for devices to be easily interconnected and networked. The topology is also desirable since provides isolation for the different networks needed. This implies that any problems with the network are easily diagnosed and rectified without affecting other devices on the network. The topology will allow a configuration where each server acts as a hub, and the different computers in each lab can be connected to the server acting as nodes. The main servers on each floor will then act as hubs for the servers in individual rooms. This topology is also easy to expand in future as requirements change (Computer Networking Notes, 2016). Additionally, star topology will ensure network availability in the event one node in the network fails. Troubleshooting problems within the network will also be easy (Computer Networking Notes, 2016).
Network media
Business needs
Examining the business needs for network media provided, the network requires a connection of a minimum of 40mbps and a back-up line capable of at least 20mbps. The primary internet connection should not be DSL, Cable or FIOS. Additionally, the school requires the network to interconnect six computer labs, administration offices and two server rooms. The internal connections need to be able to support all the traffic generated within the network internally.
Proposed network media
The proposed primary internet connection will be Google fiber. The proposed backup connection will be DSL. Internal connection will be done via UTP cable. This will connect the various network devices within the network.
Therefore, the following list indicates the required network media
Google fiber link
A backup DSL internet connection
500 m of UTP CAT 7 cable
Justification
Google fiber is able to deliver speeds of up to 1Gbps, which is well above the minimum requirement for this network (Google Fiber, 2016). This will allow for high speed internet connectivity for all nodes within the network. A fiber optic cable is the primary medium supporting the primary internet connection and will provide the main internet line for the network. From the proposal above, the back up, line will be via a digital subscriber line. A DSL connection will be able to support the minimum bandwidth required for the back-up internet connection. This meets the requirements laid out by the school for the backup internet connection required by the institution. The DSL and the primary connection via Google fiber are also supported on different infrastructure. This means that the chances of both failing at the same time are low which increases availability. UTP cable is able to provide the fast speeds needed within the network. It is also easy to install throughout the building, which will allow for flexible design of the user spaces. As proposed, a cat 7 cable is the most reliable since it will provide upwards of 10Gig Ethernet.
Network devices
Business needs
The school needs to have a network on both levels of the school building. A total of 9 servers; one in each lab and one on each floor, 201 computers used to access the network by different users. In addition, there will be wireless connectivity capability on the network. different users will be supported on different networks.
Proposed devices
In order to implement this network, a number of devices are going to be needed. There will be 10 routers used. One router will be used in each lab and one router per floor will serve the offices and library. A router will be needed in order to forward internet packets from the ISP within the network. Two bridges will be used on each floor. Switches will be needed in order to provide the required separate networks for students, staff, and guest networks. Finally, a wireless access point is also needed in order to provide wireless connectivity within the network.
Justification
The use of different routers for each lab ensures that it is easy to differentiate the networks as required by the business needs. This will also help in easily implementing the star topology proposed for the network. As per the specifications, staff, students, and the public should all operate on different networks. The bridges used on each floor will be used in the server room to expand the network into the different rooms on each floor. The wireless access point will provide the utility needed to access the network wirelessly. These are all the requirements needed by the institution and as specified in the institution’s network needs.
Network security devices
Business needs
The network will require different networks for the different users as well as a primary connection. A typical network requires a number of security devices. The primary concern will be to protect internal traffic from external threats.
Proposed network security devices
The main security device for this network will be a firewall to stand in between internal and external traffic. The firewall filters traffic coming in from the internet into the local area network in the school. The firewall is configured so as to ensure that harmful traffic is intercepted and does not make it to the internal network. The firewall will be configured in such a manner as to form a DMZ between the internal network and the internet. This should provide extra security for the network.
Justification
An active firewall is the most commonly used security device on a network. By being placed between the internal traffic and the public internet, it logically separates the two networks and provides a means to filter traffic between the two networks. It also ensures that all unauthorized traffic into the network is eliminated. This is the most efficient way to protect a network (Microsoft, 2016). Configuration of the firewall to form a DMZ provides an extra layer of security for the internal network. This is done by having an internal and external firewall and placing the different servers between the internal and external firewalls. This provides added security since it isolates the servers from the main LAN.
Computer systems
Business needs
A total of 9 servers and 201 personal computers will be used in the setup. The 201 personal computers will be available for use by staff, students and the general public. The 9 servers will provide the network support infrastructure.
Proposed computer systems
Proposed computer systems for the users will be desktop computers with at least 500 GB hard drive, corei5 processors and 4 GB ram. Ideally, they will be integrated standalone units. The operating system used for these computers will be windows 10. The servers used will be Linux based servers or windows NT based servers.
Justification
The specifications for the personal computers ensure that they are able to handle serious processing tasks as well as being able to effectively utilize the internet connection available. This is mainly because the proposed personal computers will have a network card that provide sufficient speed for the network connection provided. Use of integrated standalone units, which have the CPU and the display combined ensures that they have a minimum physical footprint ensuring saving space in the labs. This is mainly because such units occupy less space and are not bulky. The use of Linux based servers ensures reliability since Linux is very stable and the servers can remain in use continuously for a long time ensuring reliability of the network (Katherine, n.d).
Proposed Network Wiring Diagram
Bibliography:
[1] Google Fiber. (2016) [Online] Google Fiber Available:
https://fiber.google.com/about/
[2] Computer Networking Notes. (2016). Star Topology ring Topology bus Topology Logical Physical mesh Topology. Available: http://computernetworkingnotes.com/network-technologies/network-topologies.html
[3] Microsoft. (2016) Firewall. Available: https://www.microsoft.com/security/pc-security/firewalls-whatis.aspx
[4] Katherine, N. (n.d). Five Reasons Linux Beats Windows for Servers. Available: http://www.pcworld.com/article/204423/why_linux_beats_windows_for_servers.html
